Bentley: I want to leave Blackburn and play in the Champions League

England and Blackburn midfielder David Bentley has told Blackburn he will leave this summer to look for a new challenge, according to BBC Sport.

Bentley has been linked with a number of clubs including Liverpool and Manchester City and wants to play European football next season. Bentley’s former boss Mark Hughes is said to have expressed keen interest in re-signing Bentley for Manchester City and Hughes has been promised a large transfer fund by owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

Bentley told the press: “The situation is I want to move on. I want to be playing Champions League football, or in Europe.

“I’ve been here for three years and I love the club and I love playing for them but I feel I’ve done everything I can,”

Bentley had informed Blackburn of his intention to leave Ewood Park before manager Mark Hughes left and says the situation is still the same saying: “I owe so much to them and I hope I’ve repaid them with the way I’ve played, but I need to be pushing and moving on somewhere else, so we’ll see what the summer can bring – and in this transfer window, hopefully something can be sorted out.”

“I discussed things with the manager then and the chairman, and I made it clear I wanted to move on. Their situation has changed, but mine hasn’t,”

Bentley, 23, can play across the midfield or up front, but many believe the Blackburn star is most effective on the wing and Bentley has been labelled as one of England’s most talented prospects.

Hughes was the man who brought the former Arsenal youth to Ewood Park and although a move to follow his former boss may prove tempting, if Liverpool’s interest proves true then the offer of Champions League football may seal the deal for Bentley.

[Source: BBC Sport]